Apparatus and method especially for holding a separate piece to be attached to a unit load

ABSTRACT

Method for holding in its place a separate piece placed against a side surface of a basic piece, wherein an air jet is directed to the separate piece and under this influence the separate piece is pressed against the end. Means for producing the air jets are placed for example in a stationary position or the basic piece is conveyed by a transfer carriage to which the means for producing the air jets are placed and arranged to hold at least one separate piece in its place. Alternatively, the basic piece is transferred by means of a conveyor or a transfer carriage and the means for producing the air jets are placed along this route in a stationary position and are arranged to hold in its place at least one separate piece that moves along the basic piece.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for holding in itsplace a separate piece placed against the side surface of a basic piece.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] According to prior art for example substantially cylindricalpieces, especially rolls in which different paper grades have been woundas a continuous web, are wrapped into a transparent stretch film. Thepurpose of the wrapping is to protect the piece from external mechanicaleffects, from the dirt in the environment as well as from otherimpurities and moisture. The material wound on the roll is for exampleprinting paper, copying paper or soft tissue.

[0003] The stretch film is typically an elastic, transparent film madeof plastic material that is wrapped around the outer shell of a pieceand typically around the end surfaces of the same as well. For thepurpose of wrapping the shell, there are radial wrapping apparatuses inuse, in which a horizontal piece is rotated around a longitudinal axis,for example by means of rotating rolls or a cradle formed on a belt. Thefilm roll is typically transferred in parallel to the longitudinal axisof the piece, so that the entire shell surface would be covered. Thetight film also stretches on top of the end, which is thus at leastpartly protected. There are known axial wrapping apparatuses orcircumferential wrapping apparatuses for wrapping of shell and endsurfaces, in which apparatuses the film roll orbits the piece typicallyat the same height with the horizontal longitudinal axis of the piece,and at the same time the piece is rotated around the longitudinal axis.The piece may contain both axial and radial layers, between whichprotective layers made for example of bubble wrap, have possibly beenplaced.

[0004] The piece is conveyed or transferred to the wrapping apparatusesby means of different kinds of conveyors or automatic transfercarriages. The conveyors include for example different belt, roll orslat conveyors, on top of which the roll rests and is supported theretofrom one or more points. The roll can be conveyed both in thelongitudinal direction and transversely. A section of the conveyor canalso be placed in a transfer carriage that conveys the roll. Thetransfer carriage can also contain a lifting table, on the support ofwhich the piece rests, and thus especially a roll can be easily loweredon the support of said rotating rolls, or lifted up from the same afterthe wrapping is finished.

[0005] Especially rolls containing different kinds of paper grades, evensensitive paper grades, are equipped with different kinds of endprotectors and labels, the purpose of which is to protect the roll evenmore for example from different kinds of mechanical effects that alsooccur during the wrapping and by the influence of the wrapping film.Protection from light is also possible by means of a transparentprotector. Typically the protector has a round shape, and its diameteris equal or smaller in size than the reel. The protectors are forexample made of more rigid and stronger paper grades, such as cardboardor paperboard. The protectors often also contain variable informationrelating to the product that can be read from underneath the transparentfilm layer.

[0006] The attachment of the protectors is, however, problematic,because the adhesion of the same must be secured by means of adhesivesor different kinds of adhesive tapes. Especially adhesives dirty the endof the roll, and at the same time the edge of the material can becomedirty throughout the entire length of the web. Mechanical attachment, onthe other hand, breaks and tears the material in the roll.

[0007] The protector can also be attached on top of one or more wrappingfilm layers, whereafter it is possible to continue the wrapping process.In this case the disadvantage that occurs is that the wrapping processis interrupted, which decelerates and disturbs especially continuousautomatic production. In addition, it is necessary to install robots ordevices that take care of the automatic placement and attachment of theprotectors.

[0008] The protector can, of course, be attached to the piece only afterthe wrapping, but in such a situation it will not protect the piece fromthe mechanical effects caused by the wrapping film and the wrappingprocess. The protector attached on the film layers is more easilydetached during transport and handling, wherein it must be attached in amore durable and reliable manner. Thus the amount of work is increased,larger amounts of adhesives must be used, or the adhesives must be moreeffective. Large amounts of adhesives are also a problem in view of worksafety. If the protector is detached, the information contained thereinis also lost.

[0009] It is a purpose of the present invention to eliminate theaforementioned problems and to introduce a new method for holding theprotectors in their place so that the protectors could be attached tothe piece as early as possible and in such a manner that the piece isnot damaged. Thus, it is possible to protect for example the ends of aroll also during transport and transfers, which enables the use of theprotectors also as temporary protectors, because as a result of theinvention both manual and mechanical placement and detachment can beconducted quite easily and rapidly, without interfering with the rest ofthe process. The components necessary in the invention are known andeasily available.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0010] A central principle of the invention is the use of air jets forholding end labels, protectors or the like in their place against theends of rolls or other pieces to be wrapped. Air jets are used bothduring the transfers of the piece as well as during wrapping.

[0011] The apparatus according to the invention can be easily andrapidly constructed to handle varying situations, because in a factoryenvironment pressurized air is readily available. The act of installingand directing the nozzles used for the production of air jets is asimple and rapid process that can be easily tested by means of practicalexperiments.

[0012] By means of a special embodiment of the invention it is possibleto hold the end labels of moving rolls even though the air nozzles areinstalled in a stationary position.

[0013] By means of the invention it is possible to avoid the use ofdifferent attachment and gluing methods, and especially the use ofadhesives. It is not necessary to interrupt the wrapping process, andthe end label also protects the roll when the wrapping is started andbefore the wrapping process. By applying different kinds methods forinstalling the water jests, it is possible to hold the protector whenthe roll is placed on a conveyor or a transfer carriage, when the rollis transferred to a wrapping apparatus, when it moves from conveyors toa wrapping apparatus and when the rotation of the same begins to startthe wrapping process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] In the following description the invention will be described inmore detail, using as an example a roll that constitutes the basic pieceand the unit load, and a protector mounted thereon. At the same timereference is made to the following drawings, in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 shows in a reduced end-view the act of applying theapparatus according to the invention in connection with rotating a roll,

[0016]FIG. 2 shows in a reduced top-view the act of applying theapparatus according to the invention in connection with a transfercarriage that conveys the roll,

[0017]FIG. 3 shows in a reduced side-view the act of applying theapparatus according to the invention in connection with a conveyor thattransfers the roll, and

[0018]FIG. 4 shows the apparatus according to FIG. 3 in a top-view.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019]FIG. 1 shows a reduced principle view of the invention, in whichonly the essential aspects of the different structures have been shown.The technique used for the transfer and rotation of the roll is known assuch, and thus the operation of the same will not be discussed in moredetail in this context. A paper roll 1 is used as an example. The roll 1is rotated around its longitudinal axis by means of two rotating rollers2 a, 2 b. The rollers 2 a, 2 b are rotated by motor means around axes ofrotation that are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roll 1. Therotating apparatus is known as such and comprises for example thenecessary frame structure. A continuous belt can also be passed via therollers 2 a, 2 b that are typically longer than the roll 1, wherein theroll 1 rests on the support of the belt, and smaller surface pressuresare attained.

[0020] Against the end of the roll 1 an end protector 3 has been placedfor example manually or automatically by means of an apparatus, said endprotector covering the end of the roll 1 either entirely or partly. Thediameter of the end protector 3 is preferably equal or smaller in sizethan the diameter of the roll 1, wherein opposite air jets do not hitthe protector 3 that extends over the edge of the roll 1.

[0021] The protector 3 is held against the roll 1 by means of the forceeffect exerted by the pressure of the air jets on the protector 3. Theair jets are produced by means of air nozzles 4 a to 4 c, known as such,that are attached to a pneumatic hose or pipe 5 for example by means ofthe frame part. FIG. 3 shows air jets 12 a, 12 b by way of example. Thenumber of nozzles can vary in different embodiments, so that asufficient force effect is attained, preferably throughout the protector3. Preferably, the air jets of the nozzles 4 a to 4 c are directedperpendicularly or obliquely towards the protector 3. By means of theoblique orientation it is possible to control it better in whichdirection the air jet exits along the protector 3. The friction betweenthe roll 1 and the protector 3 for its part helps to keep the protector3 in its place, even if the jet would be obliquely orientated. The aimis to direct each air jet in such a manner that it does not interferewith another air jet or reverse its force effect. The pressurized airsupplied to the pipework 5 is controlled with pneumatic means 6 thattypically comprise a pressure source, a valve system and controlelectronics, if necessary. By means of the valve system it is possibleto control the air supply of the nozzle group 4 a to 4 c. The frame partcan also be a valve that is controlled electrically or mechanically toan opened and closed position, wherein it is possible to control the airsupply of an individual nozzle 4 a, 4 b or 4 c. If the consumption ofpressurized air is to be reduced, the roll 1 can during its movementswitch on one or several nozzles, wherein different kinds of switchesand responses are used that are placed to a suitable location. Thecontrol system of the conveying or wrapping apparatus can control andtime the function of the nozzles. The necessary configuration varies,but on the basis of this description the selection of components, aswell as the assembly and installation of the system is obvious foranyone skilled in the art.

[0022] The apparatus 1 used in FIG. 1 can be applied in connection withradial wrapping, axial wrapping and circumferential wrapping, as long asthe nozzles 4 a to 4 c are located outside the travel path of thedevices included in the wrapping apparatus. In FIG. 1 the nozzles 4 a to4 c are fixed to a stationary position, for example to the frame of therotating apparatus or wrapping apparatus. By adding extra air nozzles itis also possible to hold the protectors 3 when the roll 1 is transferredfrom the conveyor on top of the rolls 2 a, 2 b. If necessary, there areadditional mechanical springs or supports that make sure that theprotector remains in its place.

[0023] In FIG. 2 the air nozzles 4 d to 4 g are attached to an automatictransfer carriage 7 that has a power source of its own for the movement.The roll 1 is conveyed in the carriage 7 in a horizontal position, andthe end protector 3 placed against each end is held in its place bymeans of air jets. The necessary pipeworks 5 and pneumatic means 6 canbe placed in the transfer carriage 7. The nozzles 4 d to 4 g are locatedinside the structures of the carriage 7, on top of the carriage 7 on thelevel of the reel 1, or in both of these, depending on the directions inwhich the roll is removed from the carriage. The carriage 7 contains forexample a lifting table by means of which the roll 1 is lowered on therollers 2 a, 2 b of FIG. 1, when the carriage 7 is located therebetween.The roll 1 can also be rolled sideways away from the carriage 7. It is,of course, possible to consider that the nozzles 4 d to 4 g are attachedto another moving carriage or for example to a conveyor above the samethat follows the carriage 7. Said embodiment is only suitable forspecial cases, because the installation of an extra conveyor will causecosts. Similarly, it is possible to monitor the roll 1 moving ondifferent conveyors. The roll 1 can thus be moved both in thelongitudinal direction and sideways.

[0024] In FIG. 3 a series of air nozzles 4 h to 4 o are attached to afixed stationary position, wherein it is possible to hold the roll 1transferred on a conveyor 8 or in a transfer carriage according to FIG.2. The attachment is made to the roof structures, stands or otheravailable support and frame structures. Preferably, the transfer takesplace in the longitudinal direction and the nozzles 4 h to 4 k aredirected towards the direction of motion, if the protecting label 3 apositioned in the front end is being held. Furthermore, the nozzles 41to 4 o are directed towards the direction of motion, if the protectorlabel 3 b placed at the rear end is being held. FIG. 3 shows only fourair nozzles, but their distance from each other can vary, and they havebeen placed along the entire transfer path. The principle is that allthe time a sufficient number of air jets hit the protector label 3, evenif the roll 1 would cover some of the jets. The roll covers theoppositely directed jets, which thus do not interfere with the functionof the other jets. The optimal placement is discovered for example bymeans of experiments, and there may be several nozzles at the samepoint. The nozzle that blows to the opposite direction, for example airnozzle 4 i does not detach the end label 3 b, because the roll 1protects the label 3 b and directs the air current away, and because theedge of the label 3 b does not extend over the edge of the roll 1. Theair nozzles are connected to each other by means of a pipework 5 andpneumatic means 6, and there may be several of them. It is also possibleto embed air nozzles in the conveyor 8 or below the floor level inaccordance with the nozzles 9 a, 9 b shown in the drawing (with brokenlines), which provides an alternative way of placing the nozzles 4 h to4 o or the additional nozzles.

[0025]FIG. 4 shows in more detail the placement of the air nozzles 4 hto 4 k and 4 l to 4 o in the embodiment according to FIG. 3, and seenfrom above. In order that the jets to different directions wouldinterfere with each other as little as possible, they are placed indifferent lines 10 a and 10 b that are directed in parallel to thetravel direction of the roll 1. The air nozzles are directedsubstantially in parallel with the lines. It is possible to interlockseveral lines in a manner similar to the additional lines 11 a, 11 b(shown with a broken line), wherein it is possible to increase the forceeffect or an air jet can be directed throughout a wide protector 3 aswell. The air nozzles or additional nozzles can be placed in accordancewith the nozzles 9 a, 9 b of FIG. 3.

[0026] The invention can also be applied in connection with other pieceson the basis of the examples above. Said basic pieces can be unit loads,for example cubical pallet loads that are transported and wrapped, ifnecessary, wherein they are possibly rotated around a vertical axis ofrotation. Generally, a continuous surface or a surface of with anotherkind of shape is required, against which the protector is held in itsplace. The protector can be supported from its lower part against acarriage or a conveyor, but preferably it is supported entirely on thesupport of air jets, wherein the lower part does not stick anywhere.

[0027] The surface is not necessarily the end of the piece, but forexample a vertical or curved side surface, from which the label orprotector easily falls off under the effect of gravity. The straight endsurface or curved shell of the roll both constitute said side surfaces.The purpose of the protector is merely to transmit information, whereinby means of the air jet according to the invention it is also possibleto hold such labels in their place that are especially left underneathwrapping films at different stages of the handling and packing of thepiece. Generally, the method is suitable for holding different kinds ofseparate pieces in their place against a basic piece, wherein theseparate piece is especially a coated piece or label made of differentpaper grades, paperboard, cardboard or plastic.

[0028] The invention is not restricted solely to the above-presentedpreferred embodiments, but it can be modified within the scope of theappended claims.

1. A method for holding in its place a separate piece placed against aside surface of a basic piece, wherein an air jet is directed to theseparate piece and under this influence the separate piece is pressedagainst the side surface of the basic piece, and remains in its place,and wherein said basic piece is at the same time conveyed by anautomatic transfer carriage to which the means for producing the airjets are placed.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein saidseparate piece is also held by means of said same means during stretchfilm wrapping of the basic piece, where it is transported by means ofsaid carriage, and said basic piece is at the same time rotated aroundits horizontal longitudinal axis.
 3. The method according to claim 1,wherein said basic piece is a paper roll and said separate piece is anend protector of the paper roll or a label to be attached to the paperroll.
 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein said basic piece is apaper roll and said separate piece is an end protector of the paper rollor a label to be attached to the paper roll.
 5. A method for holding inits place a separate piece placed against a side surface of a basicpiece, wherein an air jet is directed to the separate piece and underthis influence the separate piece is pressed against the side surface ofthe basic piece, and remains in its place, and wherein said basic pieceis at the same time transferred by means of a conveyor or an automatictransfer carriage that is followed by another conveyor or automatictransfer carriage, in which the means for producing air jets are placed.6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said separate piece is heldby means of said means also during stretch film wrapping of the basicpiece, where it is transported by means of said conveyor or saidcarriage, and said basic piece is at the same time rotated around itshorizontal longitudinal axis.
 7. The method according to claim 5,wherein said basic piece is conveyed in a direction parallel to itslongitudinal direction or in a direction transverse to its longitudinaldirection.
 8. The method according to claim 5, wherein said basic pieceis a paper roll and said separate piece is an end protector of the paperroll or a label to be attached to the paper roll.
 9. A method forholding in its place a separate piece placed against a side surface of abasic piece, wherein an air jet is directed to the separate piece andunder this influence the separate piece is pressed against the sidesurface of the basic piece and remains in its place, and wherein saidbasic piece is at the same time conveyed by means of a conveyor ortransfer carriage along whose path the means for producing the air jetsare placed in a stationary position and arranged to hold said separatepiece in its place, said separate piece moving along with the basicpiece.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein several air jets areplaced along said route within a distance from each other, wherein theyare directed to opposite directions in relation to each other in such amanner that one said separate piece can be held against one side surfaceof the basic piece or two said separate pieces can be held against theopposite side surfaces of the basic piece.
 11. The method according toclaim 9, wherein the first air jets directed to the same direction areall placed on substantially the same first line that is substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal direction as well as the travel directionof said basic piece in such a manner that said side surface is locatedtransversely in relation to said longitudinal direction and travelseither in front of said basic piece or after the same, and wherein thesecond air jets directed to the opposite direction are all placed on thesame second line that is located within a distance from the first line,wherein said air jets hold one separate piece in its place, irrespectiveof the fact whether said separate piece is located in the front of orbehind said basic piece.
 12. The method according to claim 9, whereinsaid separate piece is placed manually or automatically to a sidesurface of the basic piece, said separate piece being equal or smallerin size than said side surface.
 13. The method according to claim 10,wherein said separate piece is placed manually or automatically to aside surface of the basic piece, said separate piece being equal orsmaller in size than said side surface.
 14. The method according toclaim 11, wherein said air jets are directed in such a manner that saidbasic piece during its movement at the same time covers the first airjet, thus preventing the access of the same to said side surface thatmoves towards the second air jet, thereby allowing a less obstructedaccess of the second air jet to said side surface.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 11, wherein said air jets are directed in such amanner that said basic piece during its movement at the same time coversthe second air jet, thus preventing the access of the same to said sidesurface that moves away from the first air jet, thereby allowing a lessobstructed access of the second air jet to said side surface.
 16. Themethod according to claim 9, wherein said air jets are used that aredirected obliquely towards said side surface.
 17. The method accordingto claim 10, wherein said air jets are used that are directed obliquelytowards said side surface.
 18. The method according to claim 11, whereinsaid air jets are used that are directed obliquely towards said sidesurface.
 19. The method according to claim 9, wherein the basic piece isa unit load composed especially of a cylindrical roll made of acontinuous web, that is suitably made of paper material.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein said basic piece is a paper roll and saidseparate piece is an end protector of the paper roll or a label to beattached to the paper roll.